𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒕𝒖𝒔; 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒊𝒓

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

Lilith places her swords back in their rightful place, and sees everyone gathering around one of the centers. Her and Johanna look at each other, then walk over to see what everyone is looking at.

They see Katniss, shooting arrows left and right. Not missing a single hologram. Once she finishes, Katniss looks at the crowd. Lilith believes it's obvious that she is uncomfortable with the attention. If you're going to show off, don't be afraid when people actually pay attention.

For a moment, Katniss makes eye contact with Lilith. She knows Katniss is probably familiar with her. Lilith has been on television a lot, seeing as she's a Victor and was a Peacekeeper. She also knows Katniss has seen her with swords. Lilith narrows her eyes ever so slightly. Katniss furrows her brows a bit, then quickly looks away.

For some reason, and she would never admit it to her, it infuriates Lilith that Katniss has talent.

The rest of the training day, Lilith stays away from Katniss, but she doesn't stop sending her dirty looks.

Silas and Lilith do some exercises together, to build more trust. Not that they're lacking in that department.

Finally, the day is over. Back at the apartment, Lilith immediately showers and puts clean clothes on.

"Do you two know what you're doing for your private assessment?" Ember asks during dinner.

"I was just going to decide when I get in there. Maybe something will catch my eye," Lilith shrugs.

"You really should have a plan. This is important for sponsors," Ember says.

"Everyone already loves me," Lilith mutters while aggressively stabbing her pork.

"What about you, Silas?" Julia says, trying to diffuse some of the tension.

"I'm with Lil, about just winging it," Silas says.

Ember sighs heavily. She's clearly annoyed at her tributes.

Later that night, Lilith tries to sleep, but ends up tossing and turning for hours. Should she be planning the private assessment? Or is she fine with winging it? She doesn't know anymore. All she knows is she isn't going to let anything happen to her or Silas.

After trying to sleep for hours, but failing to do so, she decides to see if she can find her way to the pool Finnick showed her.

She wanders the halls, and she thinks she's going the right way. Lilith smiles when she sees the entrance. As she gets closer to the door, she sees the key pad with numbers.

"Damnit," Lilith mutters to herself. She doesn't remember what Finnick typed in. She was too busy looking at him.

"Need some help?" A voice behind her questions. Lilith turns around and sees Finnick standing there.

"Please?" She says.

"Zero... five... two... five," He says as he slowly types in the code. "Got that?"

Lilith hums in response. Finnick opens the door and lets her walk in.

"Did you want to be alone?" Finnick asks, standing in the doorway.

"Not really, unless you have somewhere better to be," Lilith replies.

Finnick smiles and walks in.

The pair have a fun time in the water. They laugh, they talk, and Finnick splashes Lilith.

"Thank you for helping me forget," Finnick says as they sit on the edge of the pool.

"Forget what?" Lilith asks, looking up at him.

"Everything wrong with me and my life. When I'm with you, it's just you," Finnick looks down at his hands.

"To think, you used to hate my guts," Lilith jokes. Finnick laughs in response.

"To think," He repeats.

"I don't know what's worse, my life as a Victor or being thrown into the Quell," Lilith says after a moment.

"Life as a Victor," Finnick quickly says. His eyes show a deep sadness and regret.

"Yeah, you're probably right," Lilith mumbles.